The end of a marriage in Ohio does not automatically need to result in a contentious divorce. Ohio also allows for the much simpler and less stressful option of dissolution. Dissolution involves pursuing an uncontested divorce in which spouses have already established all of the key terms for the end of a marriage.
Dissolution differs from traditional divorce in that it does not involve litigation but merely court review and approval of terms set by the spouses. Many couples prefer dissolution to divorce because it is faster, more peaceful and less unpredictable. Yet, despite the desire for a more controlled process at the end of a marriage, many spouses struggle to agree on key divorce issues.
What are some of the strategies couples use to convert what could be a litigated divorce to a dissolution?
Marital contracts
Most couples with marital contracts negotiate those agreements before getting married. However, couples can establish postnuptial agreements that address many of the same issues. A postnuptial agreement can clarify how couples intend to share their property and can pave the way for a faster dissolution process.
Mediation
If couples do not agree on key aspects of a divorce, they may need a bit of outside assistance to find a compromise that works for their families. Mediation in a family law setting can help spouses work through disagreements about parenting matters and property issues. The agreement that they sign at the end of the process can make a dissolution feasible.
Collaborative divorce
Some couples can agree to work cooperatively early in the divorce process. Collaborative divorce proceedings typically begin by signing an agreement to cooperate. Both spouses commit to solving their matters amicably with each other instead of fighting. Collaborative divorce can involve mediation or a host of other forms of professional intervention. It can also involve the separate lawyers of each spouse negotiating until they reach a workable compromise.
Alternative dispute resolution systems that prompt spouses to cooperate with each other instead of maintaining an adversarial perspective can benefit those hoping to file for dissolution instead of divorce. Exploring alternatives could be a smart move for those who want to take much of the stress and contention out of upcoming divorce proceedings.